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Are fire stopping and intumescent products tested to the same standard?

Clarifying how identical fire standards apply differently based on product function and test configurations.

Although Fire Stopping and Intumescent products are typically tested to the same fire resistance standards—such as BS 476—there are important differences in how they are tested and applied.

Common Testing Standard, Different Approaches

Both product types are assessed under established fire testing frameworks like BS 476 and EN 1366, ensuring baseline compliance with safety expectations. However, the actual testing procedures and scenarios differ significantly due to their intended applications.

Intumescent Coatings

Intumescent coatings are primarily designed for structural fire protection, particularly on steel frameworks. The focus of testing is on:

  • Steel’s thermal response to fire

  • Coating thickness and its expansion characteristics

  • Performance at various critical temperatures

In some cases, intumescents are also tested on alternative substrates like concrete, but such cases are clearly labeled and less common.

Fire Stopping Products

Fire stopping solutions, on the other hand, are used to seal penetrations and joints in walls and floors to maintain compartmentation. This means they must be tested across a much broader set of conditions:

  • Various wall and floor constructions (e.g., blockwork, plasterboard, concrete)

  • Multiple types and sizes of service penetrations (cables, ducts, pipes, etc.)

  • Different product compositions and arrangements

Due to the diversity in real-world construction configurations, fire stopping products undergo a wider range of test combinations. This is essential to reflect the unpredictability and variation found across different projects.

Why This Matters

There is no universal configuration in construction, so even though both product types meet the same overarching standards, performance can vary greatly depending on the specific application and material combinations. It is critical to consult manufacturer data sheets and test evidence to ensure compliance and suitability for your particular situation.