What guidance is there for fire stopping pipe penetrations?
Requirements and approved methods for fire‑stopping pipe penetrations through Siniat systems under ADB Section 9.
Regulatory context and scope
To ensure pipe penetrations through Siniat systems are adequately fire‑stopped, all solutions must align with the project fire strategy and the requirements of Approved Document B (ADB), Section 9 – Protection of openings and fire‑stopping. Any approach used must be supported by tested and classified fire‑stopping solutions appropriate to the application.
Important note on ADB references
This article reflects Approved Document B guidance current at the time of writing. Users must always consult the latest version published on GOV.UK to confirm accuracy and applicability before design or installation.
Use of Third Party Proprietary Fire‑Stopping System
Approved Document B recognises the use of proprietary, third‑party tested fire‑stopping systems under Alternative A, where the pipe, seal, substrate and installation method are tested together as a complete solution.
Siniat does not provide proprietary fire‑stopping seal systems for pipe penetrations.
Where the project fire strategy mandates a tested proprietary system, this must be supplied and specified by a third‑party fire‑stopping manufacturer and demonstrated as suitable for use with the Siniat system forming the fire‑separating element.
Under ADB this applies to:
Volume 1 - Dwellings:
Volume 2 - Buildings other than dwellings:
Where a proprietary system is required, installers must ensure compatibility with the pipe material, diameter, fire‑separating element and required fire‑resistance period.
Please refer to the alternative solutions below for Siniat‑specific approaches where proprietary systems are not mandated by the fire strategy.
Alternative solutions (when a proprietary system is not used)
Where the project fire strategy does not require a proprietary tested system, Approved Document B permits alternative approaches. These align with Siniat system construction principles and detailing.
Alternative B – Pipes with restricted diameter
- The opening must be kept as small as practicable
- Fire‑stopping material must be tightly fitted around the pipe
- Pipe diameters must not exceed the maximum sizes in ADB Table 9.1
Siniat systems allow tightly fitted penetrations to be formed in accordance with the Siniat Drywall Manual, sealed as required to maintain the integrity of the fire‑separating element.
Alternative C – Sleeving
- Pipes (up to 160 mm internal diameter) may pass through a fire‑separating element within a non‑combustible sleeve
- Acceptable pipe materials must comply with ADB Table 9.1
- uPVC pipes must comply with BS 4514 or BS 5255
Sleeving arrangements must follow ADB guidance and be formed in accordance with Siniat system detailing.
The Siniat solution for pipe penetrations
Where ADB Alternative B or C is permitted, the Siniat approach is as follows:
- Pipe penetrations are formed as tightly fitted openings
- Construction follows the relevant Siniat Drywall Manual pipe‑penetration detail
- Openings are sealed where required to maintain the fire‑resisting performance of the system
- Siniat Intumescent Acoustic Sealant may be used where permitted (for pipe penetrations of 40mm or less, excluding cPVC pipework)
- Where the fire strategy mandates a tested system, a third‑party proprietary fire‑stopping solution must be used
Relevant Siniat construction detail
Pipe‑penetration detailing is contained within the Siniat Drywall Manual which should be referenced to illustrate acceptable construction:
Partition systems - pipe penetration detail - page 40
Floors and ceilings - pipe penetration detail - page 36
Shaftwall systems - pipe penetration detail - page 20
Sealants and cPVC pipework compatibility
Siniat Intumescent Acoustic Sealant is not compatible for cPVC pipes and must not be used for this application.
Where cPVC pipework is present, the chosen fire‑stopping system:
- Be confirmed as compatible for use with cPVC
- Be tested and installed in accordance with the fire‑stopping manufacturer’s technical literature
- Satisfy the project fire strategy requirements
For compatibility with cPVC - Fsi Promat do provide Pyropro HPE Sealant for this specific application:
TGN-009 cPVC Compatibility Guidance
Pyropro HPE Sealant Product Page
For other manufacturers, please refer to their technical literature for compatibly and compliance.
Summary
To fire‑stop pipe penetrations through Siniat systems:
- Use a third party proprietary tested system where possible
- Where Alternative A is not possible, use ADB Alternative B or C.
- Confirm all pipe materials are compatible with the selected fire‑stopping system
- Obtain fire‑engineer approval for all details
- Follow CCPI principles: accurate, tested, traceable information only
- Reference the relevant diagrams directly in Fire Safety: Approved Document B
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