THERE is always a risk of a fire outbreak wherever there are buildings in which people live or work and in such an event, reliable and certified fire protection products in sanitary technology installations can prove a valuable asset in restricting the damage, says Geberit, which specialises in manufacturing and supplying sanitary parts and related systems.

“If a fire breaks out in a multi-storey building, it must be prevented from encroaching on other sections of the building or higher levels for as long as possible. This gives residents enough time to find refuge and also means the fire brigade has a better chance of getting the fire under control quickly,” says Louise Pitt, marketing manager Geberit regional office, Geberit International Sales in Dubai, UAE.

The leading Switzerland-based multinational group offers reliable fire protection solutions to protect buildings and people against disastrous consequences.

“Responsible building and restricting the spread of fire is at the top of the agenda when it comes to construction techniques that focus on fire protection at Geberit,” she says.

Geberit uses realistic scenarios to perform fire tests with the support of external specialists and a range of different material testing institutes. Its aim is to investigate whether its fire protection products really deliver on what they promise.

In one such test, two oil burners were used to heat a large testing oven containing a Geberit Duofix prewall installation. The temperature surged to more than 800 deg C and it wasn’t long before the first cracks appear.

Certain tests, such as those involving Geberit Rohrschott fire protection sleeves, have even required multistorey test structures to be erected. These sleeves are used wherever plastic discharge pipes are routed through ceilings and walls.

Holes in walls and ceilings as well as installation ducts can favour the spread of fires in a building if they are not closed correctly and in accordance with standards. Geberit provides a solution with its fire protection sleeves that close the pipe opening in the event of fire and prevent the spread of smoke, fire and heat to other rooms, floors or parts of the building.

Geberit fire protection sleeves ... no compromises.

“When the temperature in the surrounding area reaches a certain level, the expansion material integrated into the sleeve expands with unstoppable force, crushes the pipe and firmly seals off the opening in the ceiling or wall. Depending on its type, this seal must be able to withstand any fire for 30, 90, 120 or 180 minutes,” Pitt says.

“Combining Geberit discharge pipes with fire protection sleeves results in an exceptionally safe and reliable product when it comes to fire safety,” she says.

Geberit’s plastic discharge pipes are an extremely popular product – with features such as relatively low weight and easy processing either in the factory or on site. However, they still have one drawback: they are combustible. But by developing the Rohrschott 90 Plus and Rohrschott 120 fire protection sleeves, Geberit has found a solution that turns what would ordinarily be considered a weakness into a strong point, says Pitt.

“Once the surrounding temperature reaches a certain level, these sleeves automatically seal the ceiling or wall opening in which they are fitted. This prevents fire, smoke and heat from ascending to the next storey up and creating more damage,” she says.

Even angled ceiling and wall feed-throughs can be quickly, easily and effectively protected against fire spread with the fire protection sleeve RS90 Plus EN. Semi and fully built-in ceiling and wall compartmentalisation are just as easy to realise, Pitt says, adding that installation in soft fire-stops in walls and ceilings is also possible.

In addition to fire protection sleeves, for pipe diameters between 32 and 200 mm, the company also offers fire protection products such as a Duofix fire protection set, Geberit Sanbloc and floor sealing systems for installation ducts. If used correctly, these products can play a major role in ensuring a building remains safe.

Pitt says that all of Geberit’s installation and piping systems contain certified fire protection solutions. Its fire protection sleeve RS90 Plus EN, the universal all-rounder, has successfully passed these tests and is classified as an EI 90 solution in accordance with EN 13501. It can be used in combination with all Geberit drainage systems.

In addition, the company offers complete solutions. “Fire protection is only as good as their weakest component. If elements from various manufacturers are combined, there is a risk of compromises at the interfaces. Compliance with applicable standards and regulations is likewise more difficult. Geberit offers complete systems which offer a demonstrably high level of safety prior the spread of a fire through the drainage pipes,” Pitt concludes.