Differences between active and passive fire protection.

Active fire protection harnesses some form of activity in order to successfully function in the event of a fire. Such actions include human operation of a fire extinguisher or fire hose and automated functions such as fire sprinklers and fire alarms. Automated active systems detect smoke or fire within a facility, and will alert occupants of the threat of fire. Fire hoses, sprinklers and extinguishers are used to slow the dissemination of fire until fire services can arrive.

Passive Fire Protection

Limit the spread of fire, protect your people.

However, unlike active fire protection systems such as sprinklers, fire hoses and fire alarms that require electric activation or a degree of motion, passive fire protection systems remain non-active in the event of a fire through the use of fire-resistant walls, doors, floors and glass. Exceptions to such criterion are fire dampers, intumescent products that swell when in action, and fire door closers that require open and shutting, thus movement, to function effectively. However, when installed and maintained properly all passive fire protection solutions work to keep fire from spreading through buildings and provide occupants safe escape routes.

Fire Compartmentation

Fire compartmentation is passive fire protection’s best friend. Simply put, fire barriers, fire walls and partitions and smoke barriers make up the functionality of fire compartmentation within your building. Fire barriers comprise f fire-rated resistance walls, floors and ceilings – generally made up of concrete, interlocking timber, gypsum or masonry materials. Such fire barriers are capable of reducing the spread of fire in a facility allowing occupants to escape safely.

Fire barrier walls, when built and maintained correctly, can remain standing even if the building collapses around them, providing occupants and assets fire safe protection against the effects of fire. While, fire barriers and fire-resistance rated walls and floors offer safe evacuation routes from smoke and fire threats.

Fire Wall Opening Protection

Fire rated doors and windows are installed in openings of fire barriers to complete and uphold the fire-resistance effectiveness of your fire barrier. Doors, hardware such as hinges and screws, as well as door frames and jamb, collaborate to form a fire and smoke protective barrier. While fire rated glass and framing are tested, installed and form and maintain a piece of the fire protective barrier puzzle.