We recently had occasion to be drawn into the realm of structural engineering with regard to concrete floor slab penetrations. The issue is all too common: no provision made for power or data cables (and other services) to pass through concrete floor slabs. 

Designers, project managers, installers and building consent officials exercising duty of care responsibilities would positively contribute to raising the bar on all passive fire protection installations in NZ.

In discussions with designers on interior fit-outs recently, it became apparent that there was a requirement for a fire stopping solution that was temporary in nature.

Engaging a passive fire specialist can help determine if the proposed installation method of fire stopping will comply with relevant fire test results or if an alternative solution is possible.

By making provisions for passive fire penetrations in pre-cast concrete slabs, you can save on costly concrete drilling and reworks; economies of scale make it a 'no-brainer'. 

The timing of passive fire protection installation is critical, and when overlooked or left to the 11th hour, it can cause delays and have a knock-on effect on other trades.

The incorporation of the cable-transits in the design of a firewall can allow for existing cables to penetrate the wall in a compliant manner, while also providing spare capacity for future cables to be passed through.