NEWS White paper highlights importance of accommodating dynamic movement in fire stopping F


Si Promat has launched a new white paper highlighting the impact dynamic movement can have on the effectiveness of penetration seals – and what can be done to ensure passive fire protection remains compliant for the lifetime of a building.


The stress that movement can put on a building can cause


breaches, tears and cracks in the construction materials, including in fire stopping that has been used to reinstate the compartment to contain the spread of flames, smoke, heat and toxic gases. Despite the potentially serious impact on building safety, accommodating dynamic movement in fire stopping plans is often overlooked. Approved Document B (fire safety) states the need for an “appropriate fire seal” that will last for the lifetime of the building. But with no formal testing mechanism under the EN1366-3 standard or European Technical Assessment (ETA) specifically for movement within penetration seals, this element often falls out of the scope of building design. The new white paper, ‘Managing Movement: Accommodating dynamic movement in fire stopping for penetration seals’ takes an in-depth look at the impact of


movement on fire stopping, existing legislation and guidance around the issue, and how FSi Promat has engineered a solution – plus the evaluation to support that solution. Craig Abbott, Technical Director at FSi Promat – part of the Etex group, explains: “Service penetrations are part and parcel of construction and must be accommodated within passive fire protection utilising appropriate fire stopping systems. However, where movement is present in a building it is essential that sufficient flexibility is built into this system to mitigate the effects of dynamic movement on the performance of the penetration seal. “We always encourage early engagement with manufacturers to identify how to tackle issues such as movement as effectively as possible – and ensure lifetime compliance. The white paper details the work we have undertaken to successfully demonstrate how movement of +/- 25 per cent can be accommodated with the right fire stopping solution.” Discover more about the impact of dynamic movement on


fire stopping in penetration seals and how to find a solution to maintain compliance – download the white paper here.


GTC and Kensa join forces to deliver renewable heating to thousands of new build homes


O OMICRON Zero • Eurovent certified performance


• First air-source simultaneous heating & cooling unit using R290 as a near zero GWP, natural refrigerant solution


• Up to 70°C Hot Water


• High TER 7.75* *W45 A7 / W7 A35


perator of last mile multi-utility networks, GTC, and the manufacturer and installer of ground source heat pumps, The Kensa Group, have joined forces to deliver a low-cost renewable heating and cooling solution for tens of thousands of new build homes a year – introducing the Networked Ground Source Heat Pump solution. This solution offers a clean alternative to gas, which is planned to be


banned in new build developments from next year under the Future Homes Standard, requiring all new homes to have low-carbon heating. The Networked Ground Source Heat Pump solution provides reliable home heating and hot water through a ground source heat pump installed in each property, connected to a shared network of hidden underground pipework, similar to what is installed for other utilities.


Kensa’s compact ‘Shoebox’ heat pump will fit neatly under the water cylinder inside the home, saving valuable space and eliminating the need for any external kit, so there’s no visual impact on the property. With up to five times the efficiency of gas and a 30% increased efficiency than an equivalent air source heat pump, these ground source heat pumps require no extra electricity capacity, easing developer concerns about site grid capacity. The GTC and Kensa partnership, said to be the largest to be agreed between a utility infrastructure provider and a UK ground source heat pump manufacturer, will bring significant scale, funding, and technical skill to the deployment of networked ground source heat pumps for the new build market – delivering a complete end-to-end heating, hot water, and cooling solution for housebuilders. Through this agreement, GTC will provide the funded solution to housing developers, along with the design, borehole drilling, and network installation, which can be implemented alongside the other utility networks as part of a one-stop shop. Kensa will add its expertise in infrastructure and design capabilities and supply its highly efficient, UK-manufactured ground source heat pumps to fit each property.


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk Swegon qp BSEE Dec23.indd 1


10/11/23 16:13 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER JULY 2024 5


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