Fire-stopping cable and pipe penetrations

That depends on the pipe or cable, the wall or floor, the opening and the required performance. Collars or wrap strips are often used for plastic pipes, but there are also graphite sealants with a substantiated application around certain plastic pipes. Depending on the system, metal pipes may need pipe insulation. For cables and mixed penetrations, mortar, boards, blocks or special penetration foam may be suitable. The installation must fall within the system's substantiated field of application - which is why we choose the system on the basis of the documentation, not on the basis of what happens to be at hand.

It is not required by law, but it is sensible. We record every seal in a logbook with its location, the system applied and the installation date, so that during inspections by the municipality, fire service or insurer you can show what was done.

Check whether the new cable falls within the substantiated field of application of the existing system. Some systems allow documented modifications; otherwise the seal must be adapted or replaced. A penetration that was not properly restored after handover is a common cause of rejected seals in practice. This can be done as a separate service or within a maintenance contract.

Yes. We map all penetrations, assess per opening whether the existing seal still complies, and deliver an overview of what needs to be repaired or re-sealed. That is usually the starting point of a catch-up programme.

Fire resistance and smoke resistance are different performances. An EI classification does not automatically demonstrate that the smoke resistance requirement is met. NEN 6075 describes how the resistance to smoke passage between spaces is determined; the requirements use Ra and R200, while Sa and S200 are classifications of the smoke leakage of components, such as doors. Where a smoke resistance requirement applies, the penetration's contribution must be substantiated.

Only if the specific foam system is demonstrably suitable for that penetration and is applied according to the instructions. Special foam systems exist for certain cable and pipe penetrations. Ordinary PU foam, or a foam whose documentation only covers joints, does not belong in a penetration, even if the can states a fire resistance class.

The Bbl (Dutch Buildings Decree) does not prescribe a logbook. The duties of care do apply, such as Article 3.5 for the condition of an existing building and Article 6.4 for fire-safe use, as do the fire and smoke resistance requirements for separations in existing buildings, new construction or renovation. The Informatiepunt Leefomgeving cites inadequate checks after penetrations are added or changed as an example of conduct contrary to the duty of care for fire-safe use. A record per penetration is a practical way to keep track of what was done and checked. Some insurers also ask for it.

There is no statutory personal certificate that prescribes who may do this work. What is decisive is that the installation falls within the substantiated field of application of the system used, according to the classification, any ETA and the installation instructions: if it falls outside that, the performance has not been demonstrated, regardless of who installed it. The duties of care in the Bbl also continue to apply.

The Bbl does not set a fixed interval. How often a check makes sense depends on the use of the building, the number of changes, previous findings, the manufacturer's instructions and any agreements with your insurer. More important than the interval is the trigger: seals fail less often from age than because someone later went through the wall. So also have them checked after installation, IT or renovation work.