“Re-Wiring” to Protect Our Current and Future Communities.

Discover how properly fire-rated through-penetration openings play a pivotal role in protecting our current and future communities.

Passive Fire Protection in Modern Construction

“Are these ceiling openings properly fire rated?” “Do I need a one-hour or two-hour fire rating for this recessed can light?” “Are you installing intumescent material into your ventilated rainscreen system?” Over the past several construction seasons, these various questions have been asked on active job sites and in planning rooms: however, all of these questions circle back to one popular topic – passive fire protection. With its prominent impact on life safety, passive fire protection has overtaken the construction landscape by storm – especially with unprotected openings. Often, we associate unprotected openings within ceiling assemblies, which have been penetrated by recessed can lights, LED downlights, troffer luminaires and/or in-ceiling loudspeakers. However, let’s think smaller. Let’s talk about through-penetration openings in fire-resistance rated assemblies.

Thinking it “Through”ly.

With the surge of technology, new construction infrastructures are home to hundreds of running wires, cables, and pipes running through the wall, ceilings, and walls of these buildings. As a result, when these fire-resistance rated assemblies are penetrated by one of these elements, the assembly is compromised – regardless of how small the magnitude of the opening. Even though these penetrations tend be relatively small, it still creates a pathway for heat, smoke, and flames to rapidly consume the infrastructure of the building. As a response to this life safety hazard, the IBC (International Building Code) regulated that proper firestopping measures are required for through-penetration applications. For a reference, in Section 714.3.1.2 of the 2012 IBC, it states,

“Through penetrations shall be protected by an approved penetration firestop system installed as tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479, with a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water and shall have an F rating of not less than the required fire-resistance rating of the wall penetrated.”

Identifying Where Proper Firestopping is Required.

As this building code adapts to the modern construction scene, it is critical to educate construction professionals on where this code will apply. With 100% of US buildings containing at least one wire, cable, or pipe – this requirement is universal. However, here are some common construction practices that will potentially require firestopping solutions for through-penetration openings:

  • Multi-Family
  • Data Storage Facilities
  • Modular
  • Façades
  • Healthcare (Hospitals, Rehabilitation Centers, Medical Centers)
  • Hospitality
  • Commercial
  • Industrial

Tried, Trusted, Tested, Through-Penetration with Tenmat.

With our commitment to protect the lives and property of our current and future communities, Tenmat has designed a full line of firestopping solutions for through-penetration openings. All of Tenmat’s Firestopping Solutions and Materials are accurately assessed and certified at third-party testing laboratories, such as Underwriter Laboratories (UL) and Intertek (ETL). To learn more about Tenmat’s Firestopping Solutions for Through-Penetration Systems, please continue reading below!

FF260 Fire Protection Block

Formulated to protect openings caused by cables, pipes, or mixed penetrations, the FF260 Fire Protection Block is an optimal solution for a majority of through penetration systems. Composed of a rapidly expanding intumescent foam, the FF260 is able to halt the spread of flames, heat, and smoke for up to 120 minutes. To learn more about this solution, please click here!

Key Benefits Include:

  • 120-minute fire protection
  • Easy retroactive installation
  • UL Classified

FF360 Fire Protection Foam

UL-Classified. Properly fire rates membrane penetrations in walls and ceiling assemblies. Designed for irregular, hard-to-access, and large penetrations. Meet the FF360 Fire Protection Foam. Tenmat’s FF360 Fire Protection Foam is the optimal firestopping solution for through-penetration applications, due to its composition flexibility, hassle-free installation and proper testing certification for up to 120 minutes. Interested in learning more about this advanced intumescent product, click here.

Key Benefits Include:

  • 120-minute fire protection
  • Quick Curing Formulation – Offers clean application and strong adhesion.
  • Easy Retroactive Composition – Allows for additional wires, cables, and pipes post-installation.

FF365 Fire Protection Sealant

Trying to properly fire rate a small, irregular penetration opening? At Tenmat, we offer a specialized firestopping solution, designed to fire-rate the most irregular and smallest openings, and composed of the latest in intumescent technology. Tenmat’s FF365 Fire Protection Sealant is a red, one-component, gun-grade, intumescent firestop sealant for use in a variety of UL through-penetration firestopping. In addition to its firestopping abilities, the FF365 can be used in combination with other TENMAT products, such as the FF260 Fire Protection Block. To learn about the true capabilities of this fire-rated solution, please click here.

Key Benefits Include:

    • 120-minute fire protection
    • Easy Application with Conventional Caulking Equipment
    • Adapatibility to fill unprotected openings, regardless of size, shape, and depth.

Take Action.

In the great words of Benjamin Frankin, he stated “A small leak can sink a great ship” – just like how a small, unprotected penetration opening can destroy an entire infrastructure. By properly specifying passive fire protection in through-penetration applications, you are taking the steps to protect our communities from the “scorching” consequences of rapidly evolving fire outbreak. If this article didn’t answer all your questions about passive fire protection for through-penetration systems, please feel free to contact one of our on-site specialists at +1-800-821-3436 or email us at info@tenmatusa.com.

Passive Fire Protection Solutions Designed for You.

Discover Which of Tenmat’s Pre-Designed Passive Fire Protection Solutions and Materials Fits Your Requirements.

Adaptability is key in the ever-evolving world of construction practices. From introducing the concepts of modular (off-site) construction to building extraordinary 8 story high-rises composed of cross-laminated timber, the demand for qualified life safety solutions has skyrocketed. Whether you are trying to reinforce the integrity of fire-resistance rated ceiling/floor assemblies or fire-rate through penetration applications, it is essential to find the proper solution to ensure flames and smoke can be contained in the event of a fire outbreak. At Tenmat, we are dedicated to providing the construction industry and our communities with solutions, composed with the latest in intumescent technology and designed to meet both standard and non-standard applications. To properly select your ideal solution, check out the breakdown of Tenmat’s full range of passive fire protection solutions below!

 

The Solutions that Set the Standards – Meet the FF109-300 and FF109-350.

With the commonality of recessed can lights in multi-family complexes, lecture halls, and shopping malls, it was essential for Tenmat to design a universal solution to reinforce the integrity of a fire-resistance rated ceiling/floor assembly. Designed to meet the dimensions of a majority of recessed can lights, the FF109-300 and 350 adapts to each lighting fixture – compartmentalizing the flames, heat, and smoke of a fire. With the lightweight and flexible composition of the cover, it has the capability to have a quick and easy installation – ideal for stringent lead times and significant labor savings. To learn more about Tenmat’s original fire-rated enclosures, please visit here.

Pushing the Boundaries of Life Safety – Experience Tenmat’s FF109-X.

In facilities with individuals in critical health, such as hospitals and senior living homes, the frame of evacuation is crucial in the event of a fire. In response, Tenmat has developed the FF109X – a two-hour fire rated light cover, designed to contain flames, heat, and smoke for up to two hours. With the ability to contain the growth of a fire for up to 120 minutes, it allows for lives and properties within these facilities to have a lengthened evacuation time, and response time for emergency teams to extinguish the fire. In addition to its prolonged containment period, the FF109X is composed of a flexible, lightweight intumescent material – allowing for hassle-free installation in high functioning environments. To discover more about Tenmat’s FF109x, please click here.

Retrofit for a Perfect Fit – Presenting the FF109-200 and FF109-250.

Trending Now: LED Downlights. As the usage of LED downlights in luxury, all-inclusive resorts, and mixed-use buildings rise, it was important to Tenmat to formulate the optimal fire-rated solution for LED downlights. Designed with state-of-the-art intumescent technology, the FF109-200 and 250 has the ability to fit over the LED downlight of your choice. With the flexible nature of the enclosure, the FF109-200 and 250 have the ability to be retrofitted easily around obstacles – optimal for a mess-free lighting renovation. Explore the additional key benefits of installing the FF109 200 and FF109-250 LED Downlight Covers in your latest renovations or new construction by visiting this link.

Fight the Flames, Protect the Sound Waves – Introducing the FF109-FRSC.

With the latest trend of installing in-ceiling loudspeakers in various construction applications, from in-home cinemas to outdoor shopping centers, the demand for a fire-rated solution to protect patrons and valuable property is climbing. Designed to contain the flames for 60 minutes, Tenmat would like to introduce its fire-rated in-ceiling loudspeaker cover, the FF109-FRSC. In addition to its firestopping capabilities, the sound absorbing properties of the intumescent material offers an enhancement in acoustical performance – producing a clearer and crisper sound. From its ability to be retrofitted into a pre-existing ceiling and its sound-absorbing properties, the FF109-FRSC is the optimal solution for both audiophiles and contractors. To explore further about this solution, please click this link.

Tested and Trusted Troffers: Meet the FF130 – 2’x2’ and FF130 – 2’x4’.

Troffer luminaries are a common lighting fixture in a multitude of applications, such as office buildings and educational facilities. As a result, Tenmat has formulated two inclusive solutions designed to fit the most common of luminaire fixtures, the FF130 – 2’x2’ and FF130 – 2’x4’. Formulated with retrofitting capabilities and designed for a hassle-free, mess-free installation, Tenmat’s Fire-Rated Troffer Covers are ideal for a quick school renovation or an approaching shopping mall grand opening. The FF130 – 2’x2’ and FF130 – 2’x4’ are the only available fully UL tested products on the market – ideal for life safety and building code requirements. Check out Tenmat’s FF130 – 2’x2’ and FF130 – 2’x4’ product page and delve deeper into how you can use these solutions in your next project: click here.

Fires in Façades: Introducing Tenmat’s FF102/50 Intumescent Fire Block.

As the adaptation of practicing energy conservation grows in the construction industry, the incorporation of exterior cavities has been steadily increasing. Even though this modern construction practice has a multitude of benefits, such as moisture dissipation and air ventilation, the void acts like an open chimney in the event of a fire – allowing for flames and smoke to spread at an accelerated rate. Due to this, Tenmat has developed the FF102/50, an intumescent fire block, designed to be installed in ventilated cladding and rainscreen systems. Unlike other available solutions, the FF102/50’s structure does not disrupt the added benefits of this application, which are air circulation, moisture dissipation, and energy conservation. Unlock the full potential of the FF102/50 by visiting this link.

“Plugging” Up the Flames: Meet Tenmat’s FF160 Fire Protection Plug.

From data storage centers to high school computer labs, the grid of cables and pipes is extensive in these densely packed technological facilities. With cables, wires, and pipes running through solid floors and ceilings – it is apparent that if these openings are not properly fire stopped, a fire outbreak will be catastrophic. With the understanding of the importance of electrical infrastructure, Tenmat has developed a rapidly expanding intumescent foam plug, the FF160. With its flexible and lightweight composition, the FF160 is able to be retrofitted, as well as new construction of power and control cables, telecommunication cables, and optical fiber cables. For more information about this UL listed solution, please visit here.

Fire“Blocking” At Its Finest: Presenting Tenmat’s FF260 Fire Protection Block.

Firestopping is essential to protecting the lives and property within our communities; therefore, firestopping all openings, no matter how small, is critical. Designed in a preformed, intumescent firestop block, the FF260 is ideal for sealing penetrations with cables, cable trays, cable bundles, metal pipes, and mixed penetrations. This solution caters to applications in high-functioning environments, such as healthcare facilities and K12 schools, by offering retrofitting installation capabilities and the ability to easily remove and re-install additional elements. Visit here to learn more about how you can implement this fire-rated through-penetration solution in your next assignment.

Defending All Pathways, No Matter How Small – Discover Tenmat’s FF360 Fire Protection Foam.

For facilities housing mass amounts of wires and cables, whether it being an elementary school, multi-family structure, or multi-use complex, it is imperative to incorporate life safety within these infrastructures. With cables and other through penetration applications, irregular, small openings are common; therefore, the importance of developing a firestopping solution to meet these demands is vital. Tenmat’s FF360 Fire Protection Foam is compatible with applications including blank openings, cable trays, metal pipes, conduits, wires and mixed penetrations in solid floors and ceilings. With its sag resistant, quick curing formulation and its expansion during installation, the FF360 has the ability to be installed at a quick, effortless pace – ideal for stringent lead times for renovations and new construction projects. Delve deeper into learning more about Tenmat’s FF360 Fire Protection Sealant by visiting this link.

“Sealing” the Future with Life Safety – Featuring Tenmat’s FF365 Fire Protection Sealant.

Struggling with fire-stopping an irregular, hard-to-access, or small opening? At Tenmat, we offer the optimal solutions for these nonstandard applications – the FF365 Fire Protection Sealant. Tenmat’s Fire Protection Sealant is a one-component, gun-grade intumescent firestop sealant designed to help properly fire rate small membrane penetrations in walls and ceilings for up to 120 minutes. Additionally, the FF365 can be used by itself or paired with other Tenmat products, such as the FF260 Fire Protection Blocks and the FF160 Fire Protection Plugs. To learn about the solution, who firestops the smallest membranes, click on this link.

 

 

 

Whether you are fire-rating a through-penetration opening, ventilated cavity, or LED downlight, Tenmat has formulated a pre-designed solution to meet stringent lead times and life safety requirements. If none of the previously mentioned solutions meet your application’s requirements, Tenmat possesses the manufacturing capabilities to work one-on-one to develop the optimal fire-rated solution with your application. If you are interested in working with our onsite R&D team or have any further questions about our pre-set products, please speak to one of our specialists at +1-800-821-3436, or email us at info@tenmatusa.com.

NEW Fire Protection Foams and Sealants

Fire Protection Sealant

TENMAT adds full line of Fire Protection for electrical wires, conduits and cables in membrane and through penetrations in walls and ceilings, including Fire Protection Foams, Fire Protection Sealants and Fire Protection Blocks.

The FF365 is TENMAT’s new Fire Protection Sealant designed to help properly fire rate membrane penetrations in walls and ceilings. The FF365 is suitable for irregular, hard-to-access, and small penetrations and can be used in combination with other TENMAT products such as the FF260 Blocks, the FF160 Plugs and the FF130E Recessed Light Cover series.

The FF360 Fire Protection Foam is a UL classified two-component intumescent foam that can be used in combination with the FF260 Blocks or FF160 Plugs to seal wall and ceiling openings. FF360 is suitable for irregular or hard-to-access openings and can also be used as a single product solution.

The FF260 TENMAT Fire Protection Blocks can be stacked and cut to fire rate wall penetrations. FF260 blocks are designed to be stacked and cover larger penetrations, such as cable tray openings, etc. FF260 is made of a soft and flexible intumescent material which allows for easy retroactive installation of cables or pipes in openings up to 384 in² with a max. dimension of 32””.

These innovative materials:
• Are CLEAN to work with
• Have QUICK handling times
• Are EASY TO RETROFIT after they’ve been cured

Benefits of TENMAT Fire Protection Foams, Fire Protection Sealants and Fire Protection Blocks include:

• Fire tested and rated
• Easy Retroactive Installation
• Cost-effective
• Easy application
• Suitable for openings that are difficult to access or that are irregular
• Fast and clean work
• Suitable for large and medium openings with a mix of penetrating elements
• Flexible
• Single product solution
• UL Classified

TENMAT products can be used in firestopping applications throughout the entire United States and Canada; from office buildings and high rises, to small apartments, over single-family homes to multifamily dwellings, college dormitories, hospitals, assisted-living facilities, and hotels.

For more information about TENMAT’s new Fire Protection Foams and Sealants, please visit www.tenmatusa.com/fire-rated-penetration-products/