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Fire Stopping Pillows

Pillows for fire stopping? These are fire stopping pillows. These, as you can see are used in fire walls/barriers for large openings.

They are typically used with large data trays or pass throughs that require a rated application.

The important thing to remember here is that there can only be spaces of a specific size. If the spaces left between the pillows and the trays and walls is too large, it will not seal up correctly when heated.

Basically, the way that these pillows work is that when they are heated, they expand (the plastic will melt away) and fill the void. This maintains the fire rating and prevents fire from spreading and smoke spread is contained.

There are several brands and each has it’s own specific way to apply it. Don’t forget, there must be an UL listing for each application and product to meet the minimum fire rating requirements. Make the contractor produce this and show you that it is appropriate.

Stay safe and be careful.

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Permalink Reply by Frozenhosehead on March 12, 2010 at 6:51pm

Great example of what we should be looking for doing our pre-incident planning and inspections. Inserting these pillows is not always done this early in the process. Usually it is not until after the problem has been identified that this may or may not be done down the road to make this enclosure fire and smoke resistant.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Hoevelmann on March 12, 2010 at 7:35pm

Thanks for the reply Brad. Yeah, you really need to make sure the pillows get replaced because they may run new cable and never put the pillows back in or put them in wrong.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Schwering on March 13, 2010 at 9:55pm

I've never seen these in use so far in our town, but, inspections start in a couple months.

Thanks for the information Bro!

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