Fire protection pillows are an important part of keeping buildings and people safe during a fire. These self-contained blocks are designed to seal openings in walls, floors, and ceilings, helping to stop fire and smoke from spreading. They are commonly used for protecting spaces around pipes, cables, and ducts that pass through fire-rated barriers.
Many fire protection pillows are made with intumescent materials. When exposed to high temperatures, these materials expand to block gaps more effectively. Products like 3M Fire Barrier Pillows can provide up to three hours of fire resistance, making them a reliable choice for many commercial and industrial buildings.
Knowing how fire protection pillows work helps facility managers and contractors choose the right products for their needs. Effective use of these pillows can be a key step towards a safer building environment.
What Are Fire Protection Pillows?
Fire protection pillows are safety products used in buildings to stop fire and smoke from spreading through wall or floor openings. These pillows are especially important where cables or pipes cross from room to room.
Key Components and Materials
Fire protection pillows are usually made of a fabric outer cover filled with special fire-resistant materials. The outer cover is often made from fibreglass or a similar material that can withstand high temperatures.
Inside, the filling can include mineral wool, intumescent materials, or other non-combustible substances. Intumescent materials swell up when exposed to heat, helping to seal any gaps.
Some pillows include additives to block smoke and gas, not just flames. This combination of materials allows the pillows to maintain their shape and effectiveness during a fire.
How Fire Protection Pillows Work
When a fire starts, the heat causes the pillow’s inner materials to react. If the pillow uses intumescent materials, these swell up, filling any spaces in the opening.
This swelling action helps to block fire, smoke, and hot gases from passing through. The outer cover holds the contents in place, even during high heat.
Fire protection pillows make it possible to re-open wall or floor openings for inspections or new cables, since they are both removable and reusable. This flexibility makes them useful in places where changes are common.
Types of Fire Protection Pillows
There are several types of fire protection pillows, each designed for specific uses:
- Intumescent Pillows: Swell when heated and are best for sealing cable and pipe openings.
- Non-Intumescent Pillows: Use fire-resistant insulation but do not expand; suitable for less critical areas.
- Reusable Pillows: Designed for easy removal and replacement during building upgrades or maintenance.
Manufacturers may offer sizes and shapes to fit different openings. The choice depends on the size of the hole, the type of installation passing through, and how long fire resistance is needed, usually up to three hours.
Applications and Installation
Fire protection pillows are used to block fire and smoke from spreading through openings in walls or floors where services like cables and pipes pass. They are designed to be adaptable, easy to fit, and effective as a fire barrier.
Common Uses in Buildings
Fire protection pillows are often fitted in spaces where electrical, plumbing, or HVAC services penetrate fire-rated walls or floors. These openings, known as service penetrations, can be found in both commercial and residential buildings.
They are useful in areas that may need changes or adjustments later, as the pillows are removable and reusable. For example, data centres, hospitals, and office buildings use them to maintain fire protection during regular maintenance or upgrades.
A table of common locations:
AreaExample UseServer RoomsCable trays and conduitsPlant RoomsPipe penetrationsRisersMixed services feeding multiple floorsCorridorsEmergency exits or escape routes
Fire pillows provide up to two hours of fire resistance, depending on their type and application.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
- Inspect the Opening
Measure the gap and remove any debris or old sealant. - Choose the Right Pillow Size
Select pillow sizes based on the opening, making sure the fit will be tight. - Install Pillows from Bottom Up
Place pillows vertically, starting from the bottom corners of the penetration. - Pack Tightly
Compress pillows to fill the space. Alternate the orientation so there are no straight joints. - Leave Access Where Required
Leave tagged pull cords visible for quick removal where maintenance is often needed. - Check for Gaps
Inspect around the edges. Use additional small pillows to fill in any remaining spaces.
Fire pillows stay flexible in a wide range of temperatures and can be adjusted or removed as needed.
Regulatory Standards and Compliance
Fire protection pillows must comply with UK and European standards. They are typically tested for fire resistance to BS 476 Part 20 and EN 1366-3:2009.
When choosing products, check for:
- Up-to-date third-party certification
- Compliance with local building regulations
- Product datasheets for fire resistance duration
Key compliance tips:
- Installation should match the manufacturer’s instructions for tested assemblies.
- Use only tested combinations of pillow and sealing materials.
- Keep records of all fire-stopped penetrations for inspections.
Correct use and installation are critical for meeting fire safety codes and ensuring building safety.
Benefits and Maintenance
Fire protection pillows help stop the spread of fire and smoke between rooms. They also need regular checks to keep working well and follow safety laws.
Advantages for Fire Safety
Fire protection pillows create a barrier that stops fire and smoke from passing through gaps, such as those around cables and pipes in walls or floors. They are especially useful where services change often, as they can be easily added, removed, or moved to fit new layouts.
These pillows are usually filled with intumescent materials that expand in heat. This helps seal openings tightly when a fire occurs, reducing the risk that flames or toxic fumes will travel between compartments.
Because they are not permanent fixtures, they make it easier to upgrade or repair cables and pipes without damaging the wall. The table below highlights some key benefits:
BenefitDescriptionFlexible UseEasy to rearrange for changing servicesStrong BarrierBlocks smoke and flames in a fireReusableCan be refitted when services are updatedQuick AccessAllows for faster maintenance and repairsRoutine Inspection Guidelines
Routine inspection is important to make sure fire protection pillows keep working as they should. Follow these steps for effective checks:
- Inspect pillows every 6 to 12 months, or when changes are made to the service cables or pipes.
- Check for damage to the outer cover or signs of water, dust, or chemicals that could weaken the pillow.
- Make sure pillows are packed tightly with no empty gaps or signs of shifting.
- Replace any pillows that look damaged, misshapen, or too worn.
Always keep records of every inspection and replacement to meet workplace safety rules. Regular checks help make sure that fire barriers remain strong and reliable at all times.
