A common service installation technique in New Zealand is to core drill the slabs after concrete placement and curing. However, this technique can compromise the post-tensioned slab due to the unseen nature of the reinforcing steel structure inside the concrete. Surveying the slab or concrete scanning are options before core drilling but can be costly or time consuming. A planned service installation with an incorporated passive fire penetration, placed on the form work before the reinforcing elements are installed, is the best option to protect critical structural elements from a post-pour fire collar and service installation. Having the opportunity to move slab strengthening elements to suit the placement of the penetrations will require coordination and planning between the site and consultant team but will have a positive effect in the long run.

Allproof Industries offer a range of Cast-in Fire Collars, (CIFCS and CIFCS L), for plumbing and electrical services, which have been tested at an accredited fire testing facility to AS 1530.4:2014, to protect buildings from vertical fire spread in the event of fire. They have added a new cast-in collar, CIFW100, to their range which features a spring loaded intumescent backed closure system that forces an early closure of the most onerous penetration in the plumbing pipework system, a Fire Rated Floor Waste Gully.

Typically, high fire ratings are achieved for plumbing systems utilising the three Allproof cast-in collar types, with a minimum of -/120/120 FRL for a plumbing service penetration. The minimum slab thickness that Allproof’s flat slab testing is carried out on is 120mm, with in-situ post tensioned or flat slabs typically exceeding this minimum floor thickness dimension. With Allproof’s manufacturing, plumbing and drainage experience, they can offer the best advice when a plumbing system and passive fire product interface on a project or during design.

All floor slab types are critical in a building’s design, and Allproof Industries offer passive fire penetration options which can help to limit the effect on structure as well as streamline installation.

Allproof Industries have an architectural and passive fire technical team available to assist with any site specific or installation queries, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your design or project.