Allproof Industries passive fire protection devices have been used in projects throughout New Zealand since the early 2000s, with products developed over time to cater to buildings' plumbing and electrical systems and the different substrates involved in the design of floor and wall systems. Allocating a fire test result achieved at an independent, accredited fire testing laboratory, and ensuring it is applicable to the systems incorporated into the building design, including the service type and substrate, should form part of the early design brief.

Highlighting the composite trapezoidal floor substrate types prevalent in the New Zealand construction market, Allproof Industries designed and tested the Drop in Fire Collar, DIFC, to cater to the undulating profile on the underside of the floor.

The design of the DIFC allows the collar to hang in position inside a core hole in the floor, fixed by its extension tabs from the floor above. The Drop in Fire Collar can remain in position even where there is a transition in height across the floor’s unique profile, providing a compliant passive fire solution for the service and application.

The DIFC design, coupled with sealant installed into the annular gap at the top of the slab around the service, offers a straightforward and efficient passive fire rating solution for composite floors where conventional collars cannot be fixed below the floor slab due to the changing profile.

Utilising a manufacturer that designs and tests for the various substrate types found in New Zealand, and offers a wide range of passive fire systems, is a key consideration when choosing the appropriate product.

The zone’s Fire Resistance Rating, FRR, may lend itself to a particular product; however, the solution may not always be achievable within the design or site conditions. Seeking advice from the Allproof Industries technical team, with experience across construction, manufacturing and specification, is recommended at the design stage. This helps ensure the solution is appropriate for the application and can streamline the design and construction of the project.