When it comes to passive fire protection for pipes, two of the most commonly used solutions are pipe wraps and pipe closers. While they serve a similar purpose (preventing the spread of fire through plastic pipe penetrations) they are designed for different applications. This guide explains the difference between them, so you can choose the right product for your project.
1. Why Pipes Need Fire Protection
Plastic pipes can melt or collapse quickly in a fire, creating gaps that allow fire and smoke to pass through walls and floors. Passive fire protection products like wraps and closers expand when exposed to heat, sealing off these openings to help contain the fire.
2. What is a Pipe Wrap?
The Astro PFP Pipe Wrap is a flexible, intumescent strip that wraps around plastic pipes before being sealed into the structure. It expands during a fire to close off the gap created when the pipe melts.
- Supplied as a flexible roll
- Cut to size and wrapped around the pipe
- Ideal for tight or hard-to-reach spaces
- Suitable for retrofits and confined installations
- Used with mortar or fire boards to complete the seal
3. What is a Pipe Closer?
The Astro PFP Pipe Closer is a rigid, pre-formed collar with intumescent material inside. It is fixed to the outside of the wall or floor where the pipe passes through.
- Supplied as a rigid metal casing
- Installed around the pipe and secured with fixing lugs
- Neat, surface-mounted solution
- Quick and easy to install around standard pipe sizes
- Suitable for new builds and visible penetrations
4. Pipe Wrap vs Pipe Closer Comparison
- Pipe wraps are more flexible and better for irregular or limited-access areas
- Pipe closers provide a cleaner finish and are easier to install on standard pipework
- Wraps are often hidden inside the wall or floor
- Closers are visible and mounted on the surface
- Both offer certified fire resistance and use intumescent technology
5. Choosing the Right Option
- Use pipe wraps where access is limited or where pipes are clustered
- Use pipe closers for exposed installations or when pipe sizes are consistent
- On large projects, both products can be used depending on the specific penetration requirements
Conclusion
Pipe wraps and pipe closers are both essential tools in fire-stopping systems for plastic pipe penetrations. Choosing the right one depends on your site conditions, access, and the type of installation you're working on. Both products are available from Premier Passive Fire Product and meet strict UK fire safety standards.