Seeing is believing – So that’s what happens in a fire test!

Recently we took part in a build and burn demonstration at Resolute Laboratories, where we ran a simulated AS1530.4 fire test. It was fantastic to see firsthand what kicks in to protect property in a fire from some of the most commonly seen passive fire products.

Our team came together to build and then fit a wall with many of the systems and penetrations that we would typically install in the field. (Plus a few speculators where we just wanted to see what would happen)

It was quite shocking to see just how quickly the effects took hold, how heat radiated as pipes melted and dropped to the floor. As we stood perfectly safe in the lab, it was easy to see just how quickly it would turn to tragedy in the real world. The test only ran for 30mins as a demonstration, but we are looking forward to the next one for a full test. 

It was interesting to watch as the collars, mastic, and fire stopping products took effect, to see intumescent wildly expand, seeming to almost pour out as it created a protective seal from the smoke and flames. We could look through peep holes to see what was taking place inside the furnace, whilst watching the computer measure the intensity of the flames and the thermocouples on the outside as heat transfers started to take effect.

What really drove the message home, was when the wall was pulled from the furnace and we could see what had taken place just opposite us. The pipes had melted away to nothing, cables were left as charred wires and the plasterboard had become soft and crumbly to the touch. Despite this destruction, we were perfectly safe on the opposite side of the wall, which is the way it should be.

It was summed up best by one of our team members who said,

“I thought it was really amazing to see the products in action and how they work! It drummed home the importance of making sure you stick to the tested systems and keep things compliant, those penetrations we designed to fail particularly the PEX pipe turning into a flame thrower after only 90 secs, showed that mastic does not solve all your problems.”

Overall, it was a reaffirming experience for our team to see the effects of the work that they do. Whilst we all sing the praises of passive fire, seeing it work only strengthened our convictions. Not only did it emphasis the importance of passive fire, but it was great for our team to see just how much value that they bring and how their work can have an impact, potentially saving lives.

For all Passive fire advice, training and installation, call 1800 PASSIVE or via plus@plus.systems