Discover how Tenmat Advanced Intumescent Materials work cohesively together to protect the lives and properties in their specified applications
Introduction to the Demand for Passive Fire Protection
Whether you are specifying the details or installing the technology, passive fire protection is not an uncommon construction practice. Required by the International Building Code (IBC), passive fire protection has become a widely adopted practice. Regardless of the project’s location or application type. With its main functionality of resolving unprotected openings, the use of passive fire protection is located throughout an entire project. These locations include ceiling/floor assemblies, walls, and ventilated air cavities. All the prior assemblies contain unprotected openings, due to penetrations created to install various fixtures or even maintain a design’s performance.
Therefore, it is safe to assume the unprotected openings within these applications have different demands in passive fire protection. For example, an unprotected opening in a ventilated rainscreen assembly may have differing dimensions and code requirements – compared to an opening in a fire-resistance rated ceiling/floor assembly. In response, each unprotected opening requires a new passive fire protection solution to meet its application type.
Passive Fire Protection Solutions vs. Passive Fire Protection Systems
In the effort to accommodate unprotected openings in different applications, numerous passive fire protection solutions and materials have been introduced to the construction industry. Fire protection sealants, caulks, and foam for openings caused by through-penetration openings. Placing fire-rated covers over recessed light fixtures and in-ceiling speakers. Intumescent fire blocks for ventilated rainscreen assemblies – and the list goes on.
Independently, passive fire protection solutions work to protect lives and properties – however, can these solutions work together?
Working Together at Tenmat
Developed to meet the code and design requirements for differing unprotected openings, Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Solutions and Materials are easily integrated into their specified assemblies. Whether it is a singular opening or the entire assembly, our Advanced Intumescent Materials have been designed to independently secure its part in fighting against flames, high temperatures, or smoke. Unlike other fire protection solutions and materials, our Advanced Intumescent Materials work not only independently – but also as a cohesive system.
Where do education projects specify Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Solutions?
When working in a new construction K12 building, several of Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Materials can easily be fitted into its details. From our fire-rated light covers to our through-penetration fire-stopping technology, all the solutions work collectively to protect the building and its occupants. But, what makes Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Materials different from other passive fire protection solutions?
Tenmat Advanced Fire Protection Solutions in School Relighting Renovations
Composed of a lightweight, highly flexible intumescent technology, Tenmat’s Advanced Fire-Rated Solutions can easily be placed into pre-existing ceilings. With K12 buildings and higher education institutions opting for LED fixtures, Tenmat’s Solutions are an easy solution for properly fire-rating a fire-resistance ceiling.
At Tenmat, we offer several fire-rated solutions designed to be retrofitted into fire-resistance rated ceiling assemblies. For LED lighting upgrades, we offer two retrofitting options, one for LED wafer-styled downlights or troffer luminaires. Each fire-rated light series has met the latest testing standards for fire-rated assemblies.
Therefore, all contractors have to do is simply fold and open these fire-rated light covers over the unprotected openings. Oftentimes, our Tenmat Fire-Rated Light Covers are paired with another one of our advanced solutions, the FF109-FRSC.
In educational settings, we often see in-ceiling loudspeakers integrated into the ceiling’s design. Used to improve classroom experience, in-ceiling loudspeakers are a must for our current and future educational institutions. Therefore, architects and contractors have been tasked with reinstating the openings these fixtures cause.
Tenmat Audio Applications in School Reconstruction Jobs
Designed for retrofit applications, Tenmat’s FF109 Fire-Rated Speaker Cover is an ideal option for a wide range of speakers. Regardless of manufacturer or brand. Independently, this solution creates a strong barrier between the fire and the rest of the building for up to 60 minutes. In normal circumstances, the sound absorbing properties of the proprietary intumescent material allows for an enhancement in acoustical performance.
With this combination, the FF109-FRSC complies with stringent code requirements without compromising the acoustical performance of the speaker.
How Do Our Fire-Rated Covers Work Together
If your project team is looking to specify fire protection for LED wafers, troffer luminaires, or/and in-ceiling loudspeakers, our Intumescent Fire-Rated Covers are tested and tried system. Built with the same advanced intumescent technology, all our Fire-Rated Covers can easily be integrated into both the details and the job site. In the conditions where a fire is present, these fire-rated solutions work together to keep the fire contained in its original location.
Unlike custom built solutions, our Fire-Rated Light and Speaker Covers have been tested and approved to meet the IBC’s stringent requirements. To further explore how our Fire-Rated Light Covers in Education applications.
How are Tenmat’s Firestopping Solutions Working Together in Data Centers?
This year, data centers are the number one project type in the construction landscape. With the rise in the usage of AI, the demand for additional data centers has accelerated. Therefore, the construction industry responded. With the rapid growth of data centers, it is critical to ensure that these centers are fitted with proper passive fire protection.
Using Tenmat Through-Penetration Blocks and Caulks in AI Centers
Teeming with large lithium-ion towers, countless wires and cables run throughout the data centers. Through the floors, ceilings, and walls, wires and other penetration openings are expected to be fitted with proper fire protection.
When it comes to properly fire rating through penetration openings, specified firestopping solutions need to be flexible in applications. With these openings coming in varying sizes, shapes, and dimensions, contractors need a firestopping solution(s) that can accommodate these variances.
At Tenmat, we offer several firestopping solutions. These solutions are easily be integrated into the details of a new construction data center. From firestopping foam to fire protection fire blocks, we are able to protect most openings. With its high expansion and insulating properties, the FF260 Fire Protection is ideal for cable trays, cable bundles, and mixed penetrations.
For the smaller, singular openings, we offer the FF360 Intumescent Foam and the FF365 Intumescent Sealant. Both solutions can seal off small, irregular penetration openings, creating a safe fire and flame barrier.
Advanced Intumescent Materials and How They Work with Lithium-Ion Batteries
Known for its role in keeping data centers functioning, lithium-ion batteries are a key component in a data center facility. However, one of the challenges of this technology is the threat of thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway, a phenomenon that occurs when a battery or component experiences an uncontrollable increase in temperature. This reaction has become the main reason why the use of lithium-ion batteries has been questioned.
When a battery’s cell overheats, it is not only contained to one cell – it spreads rapidly throughout the adjacent cells. This rapid acceleration produces temperatures three times hotter than conventional gasoline fires, a release of toxic gases, and an ability to reignite after being initially extinguished. This combination creates challenges for both prevention strategies and emergency response protocols.
To prevent this scenario from arising, architects and contractors have begun to implement passive fire protection measures into these applications. Here at Tenmat, we offer several advanced intumescent materials that will protect the remaining batteries if thermal runaway arises. To view our range of advanced intumescent materials here or speak to an expert here.
Through-Penetration and Advanced Intumescent Materials for Data Centers
When it comes to thermal runaway, it is critical this phenomenon is contained. Whether containing a fire within a room or protecting against battery-related fire hazards, Tenmat USA provides advanced intumescent solutions engineered to deliver reliable fire protection. With our advanced intumescent materials, architects can easily specify passive fire protection that works collectively to address life safety concerns. Using a fire protection block, fire protection foam, or our FF107 material, or a combination of both, Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Materials prevents the acceleration of flames and smoke.
To learn more about Advanced Intumescent Materials used in Data Centers, please visit our Data Center page.
Why do healthcare projects specify Tenmat’s Intumescent Solutions?
By frequently specifying fire-resistance rated assemblies, architects have already taken the initial step in protecting healthcare facilities and their occupants. Unfortunately, these assemblies are often compromised by various penetrations. Therefore, these applications require passive fire protection solutions and materials to be integrated into their architectural designs.
Protecting Light Fixtures in Healthcare Facilities
In healthcare facilities, the lighting design is key. Without proper lighting, healthcare professionals will be unable to execute proper medical procedures. Therefore, the architects who are designing these facilities opt for higher end recessed can lights. As previously stated, these fixtures penetrate a fire-resistance rated ceiling. By penetrating a fire-rated ceiling, the assembly is now compromised and no longer holds a fire rating. To resolve this, architects are required to fit these unprotected openings with a fire-rated solution.
By fitting these unprotected openings with either Tenmat’s FF109-300 or FF109-350 Fire Rated Light Covers, architects can gain peace of mind when specifying these fire-rated solutions. Forged from the same intumescent material, the FF109-300 series can protect openings for 60 minutes. Within these 60 minutes, patients and hospital staff will have additional time to evacuate before the fire begins to spread throughout the building.
In the case where the fire-rated ceiling requires a two-hour fire rating, Tenmat offers a two-hour, fire-rated light cover, the FF109X. Learn more about our range of Fire-Rated Light Covers here.
Through Penetration Solutions in Healthcare
Supporting large-scale drainage and electrical wiring systems, through-penetration openings are another life safety threat. To ensure these openings don’t act as a catalyst for smoke and flame spread, passive fire protection solutions are required to be installed.
Tenmat’s UL-Listed FF160 Fire Protection Plug is an ideal solution for large volumes of electrical cables and wiring. Designed for both retrofit installations and new construction, this advanced intumescent supports power and control cables, telecommunication cables, and optical fiber cables passing through solid floors or ceiling systems. By incorporating this firestopping solution, architects can address these types of openings throughout the entire design.
Using Fire-Rated Light Covers and Firestopping Solutions in Healthcare
Regardless of if you are trying to fire rate or firestop an unprotected opening, Tenmat offers a tested and approved solution. By detailing our FF109-300 series and FF160 Fire Plug into the design of a new healthcare facility, architects will have peace of mind when it comes to life safety. Why? Tenmat’s Advanced Intumescent Materials are tested and approved to meet even the most complex application. Explore the full story on how Tenmat’s Intumescent Materials work collectively together in healthcare facilities.
Incorporating Tenmat Advanced Intumescent Solutions and Materials into Your Next Project
When it comes to selecting your passive fire protection system, it is important to have solutions that are tested, approved, and designed to work together. From fire-rated light covers to through-penetration firestopping and advanced intumescent materials, Tenmat provides a comprehensive range of solutions. Our fire-rated and firestopping solutions help architects, contractors, and project teams address unprotected openings with confidence. By specifying products that perform independently and cohesively, project teams can better support code compliance, protect critical building components, and strengthen overall life safety.
