Advice ref: use of PVC tube - please help!

[Guest]

Can anyone advise me if there is any known regulation that specifies the minimum fire retardancy requirement for upvc tube installations, within a building?  (For example, drain pipes, soil pipes, etc.)  Note that this would not be considered "part of the building structure" - rather, it would be something installed within the building, at a later date.  Any info. would be welcome, as I've tried all the usual sources so far, without success!  I know there must be some reg. somewhere ..........

[Chris Houston]

Richard,

I cannot comment on the legal requirements, but what I would say is that insurers wil probably take the view that where serives (plastic pipes, cables) etc pass through a fire barrier, they must be protected by fire stopping products.

In the case of a thick plastic pipe, I think a collar would be the product of choice.

If you speak to Rockwool they offer advice on such products, they can be contacted on 01656 862 621.

[Peter Wilkinson]

Richard (and Chris),

The firestopping requirements for uPVC pipes etc is fairly well defined in Approved Document B of the Building Regulations.  Too much information to include in this forum, but have a look at Section 11- 'Protection of openings and firestopping'.  The Approved Document can be downloaded from Mr Prescott's website http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_control/documents/contentservertemplate/odpm_index.hcst?n=4215&l=4

[Peter Wilkinson]

Although Rockwool might try their best to advise on such products as pipe wraps/collars etc, it would be worth trying someone like Nullifire, Hilti, or even Envirograf.

www.nullifire.com
www.hilti.co.uk/holuk/modules/adfssel/adfs_main.jsp
www.envirograf.com/main/products.html