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.
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 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.
Tenmat announces new partnership with J.C. Wright Lighting Sales, Inc.
Tenmat is delighted to announce our newest relationship with J.C. Wright Lighting Sales, Inc. J.C. Wright Lighting is “Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho’s Primer Lighting and Controls Manufacturer Representative.” J.C. Wright Lighting is located in Spokane, WA – for a full list of J.C. Wright Lighting territories, please click here.
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.
Tenmat will be exhibiting at the 2023 EduCode International Conference
The only thing you shouldn’t gamble in Las Vegas is life safety. This is the reason why Tenmat will be exhibiting our line of fire-rated covers for recessed light fixtures, LED downlights, and in-ceiling loudspeakers at the 2023 EduCode Conference.
If you are an inspector, plans examiner, permit technician, code enforcement officer, building official, architect, engineer, manager, leader, director or are otherwise working or interested in a safe built community, please stop by the Tenmat Booth from February 28 to March 1. The Expo is organized by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council where building safety professionals, code enforcement officials and inspectors go to learn about the latest products and services needed to keep buildings safe and meet and maintain compliance with accepted codes and standards.
Tenmat will be exhibiting and answering all questions about our product portfolio consisting of fire rated enclosures for recessed lights, luminaires, in-ceiling loudspeakers, and troffers. A large proportion of Tenmat’s business is working with other passive fire protection manufacturers to design, develop and fire test products for them with Tenmat intumescent material as its functioning component.
Our innovative line of UL fire rated light covers for recessed lights, in-ceiling loudspeakers, and troffers are an easy to install and cost saving option to maintain the required fire resistance of the ceiling. Tenmat’s wide product variety gives electrical contractors, architects, and electrical engineers more freedom in fixture selection as the covers are suited to fit a wide range of recessed fixtures and fluorescent luminaires.
We are looking forward to meeting you at our booth! Not Attending? If you or your agency is interested in learning more about the Safety Hazard of Unprotected Ceiling Openings. Please click here to book your FREE webinar.
Tenmat announces new partnership with Architectural Lighting Alliance (ALA)
Tenmat is delighted to announce our newest relationship with Architectural Lighting Alliance (ALA).
Architectural Lighting Alliance is “a full-service manufacturer’s representative currently representing the lighting industry’s top architectural and commodity lines.” ALA has three offices, located in Dallas, Shreveport, and Lubbock – for a full list of ALA’s territories, please click here.
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.
Tenmat announces new partnership with Arizona Lighting Sales
Tenmat is thrilled to announce our partnership with Arizona Lighting Sales in Arizona.
Arizona Lighting Sales, located in Phoenix and Tempe, is “your source for illumination & the technology to control it” in Arizona. With the addition of Tenmat’s line of fire-rated covers for recessed can lights, LED luminaries, and LED downlights, Arizona 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.
Chat with the TENMAT fire protection team at the International Code Council’s EduCode Conference from March 1st to March 5th 2021.
The annual EduCode Conference and Exposition is going virtual this year and so are we. If you are an inspector, plans examiner, permit technician, code enforcement officer, building official, architect, engineer, manager, leader, director or are otherwise working or interested in a safe built community, please join us from March 1-5 online and meet us virtually in the exhibitor market place. The Expo is organized by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council and a virtual meeting room where building safety professionals, code enforcement officials and inspectors go to learn about the latest products and services needed to keep buildings safe and meet and maintain compliance with accepted codes and standards. EduCode 2021 promises to offer a full week of online training where attendees will receive 4.0 CEUs of ICC Provider credits.
TENMAT as a leading manufacturer of fire protection products and materials is proud to join other professionals, such as local tradesmen, architects, engineers, and fire safety professionals to exchange critical information on the latest technologies for building a safer, more resilient world.
Our innovative line of UL fire rated light covers for recessed lights and troffers are an easy to install and cost saving option to maintain the required fire resistance of the ceiling. TENMAT’s wide product variety gives electrical contractors, architects, and electrical engineers more freedom in fixture selection as the covers are suited to fit a wide range of recessed fixtures and fluorescent luminaires.
We are looking forward to meeting you at our virtual booth!
We are wishing all of our customers, partners and employees happy holidays and a prosperous and healthy 2021. Thank you for your continuous support throughout the year and your ongoing business.
Our US office will be closed on December 24 and December 25 but we will be back for you on Monday, December 28. To contact us, please call us at 1-800-821-3436 or contact us here.
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
• 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.
